KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The Shippensburg University women's basketball team could not maintain its seven-point halftime lead on Sunday afternoon from Keystone Hall, as the Lady Raiders dropped a 79-68 decision to Kutztown in a crucial divisional matchup.

Shippensburg (9-11, 4-4 PSAC East) had one of its strongest performances in a first half this season – shooting 57 percent from the field and 54 percent from three-point range to establish a 40-33 lead at the intermission. Sophomore guard Shawna Wert had 12 of her 18 points in the first half.

The opening 20 minutes was a long-distance shooting frenzy – as the two teams combined for 16 three-pointers in the first half. SU was 7-of-13 while KU was 9-of-15. Freshman Sarah Strybuc drilled a three-pointer just three seconds before the first-half buzzer to give SU its seven-point halftime lead.

Kutztown (12-8, 5-3 PSAC East) used a 21-2 run over the first six minutes of the second half to steal the momentum and establish a double-digit lead. The Lady Raiders got within five points of the lead, 65-60, with 4:50 remaining in the contest. However, SU could not get any closer and the Golden Bears converted 13-of-17 free-throw attempts to ice the victory.

Senior Kasey Gardner led Shippensburg in scoring with 19 points and in rebounding with eight boards. Shawna Wert, in addition to her 18 points, tied a career-high with five steals.

Sophomore point guard Dana Wert was limited to four points but set a career high with 10 assists and tied a career high with four steals.

Both of SU's starting post players scored in double figures and contributed to the Lady Raiders finishing the contest with a 40-33 rebounding advantage. Junior Lindsay Howard had 11 points and seven rebounds – including four offensive boards – while junior Monae Baker had 11 points and five rebounds.

The Golden Bears made 14 three-pointers in the contest and were led in scoring by Melissa McQuade, who finished with 26 points. Ashley Wood had 16 points – including four three-pointers – and Meredith Starr hit all four of her three-point attempts before finishing with 14 points.

The Lady Raiders are currently in fifth place in the PSAC Eastern Division standings – one game behind the Golden Bears for a playoff spot – but SU will need to avoid a tie in the standings as Kutztown swept the season series with Sunday's victory.

Shippensburg will host Bloomsburg at 6 p.m. Wednesday from Heiges Field House. The Huskies are atop the PSAC Eastern Division standings but sustained their only conference loss against the Lady Raiders.